Hertford will come alive this spring as the Love & Hope Photography Festival launches with two major community events on 8 and 9 May 2026. Presented by Courtyard Arts Centre in collaboration with All Saints Church, BEAM and the Town & Tourist Information Centre, the festival celebrates creativity, connection and local talent.

The festival will feature the best of local photographers, of all ages, who will have each submitted up to 3 pieces each, with judging taking place shortly before the private view on 8 May.

Running from 5 to 30 May 2026, the festival will take place in several venues, with Courtyard Arts, All Saints Church, Go Hertford and BEAM acting as co-hosts, transforming Hertford into a vibrant visual arts trail. Visitors will be able to see some 60 works at Courtyard Arts, with 12 works at BEAM and some 30 more at All Saints Church.

There will also be a public vote and prize for best in show, to be announced at the end of the exhibition.

The festival opens with a private view at Courtyard Arts at 6.00pm – 9.00pm on Friday 8 May, bringing together artists, partners and supporters for a celebratory evening, with music by local band Dear Wife. The celebrations continue on Saturday 9 May, from 12pm – 6pm with a vibrant Festival Day at All Saints Church, featuring Street Food Heroes and live music from a range of artists.

These opening events mark the beginning of a month‑long programme running from 5–30 May 2026, inviting the whole town to take part in Hertford’s first photography festival.

For more information, visit: www.courtyardarts.org.uk/Love&Hope.